CTC - which stands for Creative Technologies in the Classroom - is one of the most popular and long-established Arduino Education solutions.
The first kit was called CTC 101, and it was designed to meet the need for full classroom solutions that covered STEAM subjects in a hands-on, engaging way. There are still many teachers using it today as it can still be relevant in the classroom. However, we have made improvements to that first kit, which is what you know as CTC GO! today.
So, what are the differences between the two kits? We explain it all…
5 key differences between CTC 101 & CTC GO!
1. Teaching experience
With the CTC GO! kit, we have included more features that make it easier for educators in the classroom. These include:
- Getting started guides
- Comprehensive troubleshooting tips
- Detailed lesson plans
- Access to ongoing support
Additionally, it’s now a lot easier to adapt the kit to suit your class’ needs.
2. Learning experience
STEAM learning outcomes are much more in-depth in the newer CTC GO! kit than they were in CTC 101, as shown in this table:
| Building instructions | Projects in the CTC GO! kit come with detailed building instructions. Each step also has a troubleshooting section. This means that students and teachers are able to problem-solve and figure out what might have gone wrong and where. |
Projects in CTC 101 are quicker to build as the instructions are simpler. However, the troubleshooting instructions are minimal and learning outcomes aren’t as in-depth. |
|---|---|---|
| STEAM learning outcomes | Projects and lessons are closely connected to various STEAM concepts, including the fundamental concepts of electronics and coding, for more comprehensive learning outcomes. | The direct relationship between the different STEAM concepts isn't as precisely shown. |
| Extended learning | Once you have completed the CTC GO! core module, you can continue learning with thematic expansions, which build on top of the skills and knowledge students have obtained during the core course. The Motions expansion kit introduces students to new, more challenging concepts, such as motion and working with motors through additional 4 lessons and 4 projects. |
There are no expansion packs for CTC 101. |
| Using the kit | CTC GO! comes with instructions on project demonstrations, presentations, and wrapping up. | No equivalent instructions, demonstrations, or presentations. |
| Complex topics are simplified | There are many appealing visuals, imagery, and renders that simplify complex topics and concepts. These images help students better understand more abstract ideas and concepts. | Limited use of visuals. |
3. Lessons, projects & modules
There are two modules in CTC GO!, with four lessons and four projects per module. While CTC 101 has more content, the lessons and projects that come with the CTC GO! kit are much more detailed and go more in-depth into students’ STEAM learning.
This means that students learn more, and more deeply, using the content in the CTC GO! Kit. Additionally, all materials are aligned with NGSS for K-12 in the U.S. and the National Curriculum of England.
4. Building materials
The CTC GO! kit contains building materials, which aren’t included with CTC 101. These building materials are durable and modular, so students can get creative with the physical structures they build.
Having the building materials ready-made also means you don’t have to 3D print, laser cut or use cardboard, so you can quickly build sturdy projects and concentrate on learning outcomes rather than building.
All materials are packed into durable, stackable boxes, which makes them easy to store over years of use.
5. Price & value
Best of all? CTC GO! is actually better value than CTC 101, especially because of the in-depth learning content that comes with the kit. The CTC GO! kit is priced at €1,496, while the original CTC 101 kit was €1,750.
The kit is designed to last for three school years (you’ll need to buy some replacement parts in this time). What this means is that if you use the kit just twice per school year, let’s say for two classes of 24 students, for three years, the cost is just €10.40 per student. Of course, you could feasibly use the kit for more than two classes per year, making it even better value.
Interested in purchasing CTC GO! for your classroom. You can buy the kit here or find an official Arduino Education distributor for your country.